Benjo

I'm hearing from my daughter that bus service is not the greatest around campus - is this a commonly held feeling or any ideas on how better to manage the situation?

Shrinkrap

I haven't heard any complaints yet. Thanks for the heads up.

Seemed okay during orientation.


A parent

SirGecko

Bus service is fine. You just need to budget enough time to use it. It can be frustrating when you barely miss a bus or on the weekend when they don't come that often but most of the time they are really quite good. (for buses)

Madboy121

Did she give any specific reason regarding the buses?

ladyofthehouse

My daughter says the buses come about every 5 minutes. So far, she hasn't had any problems.

Madboy121

Yeah...I've never had to wait longer than a few minutes for a bus going from East to West campus during the school week, but I've only been here for a single school week lol

mafool

Benjo,
Can you find out what, specifically, is the problem? We may beable to help.

DukeAlumnus2003

When I was a student, the buses were the ultimate experience! I'll never forget the time one Friday night, when a student was so trashed, he decided to take his clothes off on the bus! I was soooo weak! I don't think I've ever laughed so hard in my life! Also, you'll encounter some trashed freshmen, who ends up throwing up on the bus...

Buses are usually on point during the weekdays in the mornings and afternoons; if you're in a hurry and really need to catch the bus (and there's a crowd waiting for the same bus), always grab the bookbag of someone near the front of the crowd and latch on for dear life.
However, buses will ALWAYS be late if: a) it's pouring rain and b) if you're late for a big exam, class, etc. What would **** me off was when you'd have to wait a long time for a bus, then you'd pass 4 buses sitting, when the bus drivers are taking a "break". The buses from East-West are pretty good. If you're on Central, sometimes, it's just easier and quicker to simply walk to West. I never had a bike, because I relied on taking the bus to get around campus.

Buses are a good way to meet people and start conversations. Always speak to the bus drivers when you get on and thank them when you get off. If you are by yourself, talk with the bus drivers. They are human too and often have interesting stories to share...

Shrinkrap

Also, you'll encounter some trashed freshmen, who ends up throwing up on the bus...

Happened to my D during a "pfrosh" "invitational"

loveduke22

The thing with the buses is you have to know what times they're busy. For instance, TuTh you know classes run from 1:15-2:30 and 2:50-4:05. SO you know the buses are crazy at 2:30 and 4:05. If you have classes in both those time blocks you just have to ride it out with the crowd, shove some people, etc etc. But for me, I don't have 1:15 class, but have 2:50 class. You have to be a bit on your toes and make sure you just get to the bus stop a bit BEFORE 2:30.

Really, it's all about knowing class times and when there's going to be a giant crowd of people standing at the bus stop. Then, really, I've found there are minimal problems.